- Docente: Marco Prevedelli
- Credits: 6
- SSD: FIS/03
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
-
Corso:
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in
Physics (cod. 9245)
Also valid for First cycle degree programme (L) in Physics (cod. 8007)
Learning outcomes
The student will learn elementary quantum optics and matter-wave
interaction theory in order to understand the recent experimental
advances in the field of laser-assisted manipulation of atoms,
specifically laser cooling and trapping for both fundamental and
applied physics.
Course contents
Matter-wave interaction: A e B di Einstein's A and B.
Two levels atom in a classical field: optical Bloch equations, Bloch's vector, rotating wave approximation, Rabi's oscillations, Ramsey's method.
Two levels atom in a quantized field (Jaynes-Cummings' model): Fock's states and coherent states, spontaneous decay, micromaser.
dressed atom: energy levels, fluorescence spectrum.
Laser cooling: Doppler cooling, Doppler limit, elements of sub-Doppler cooling.
Ion traps: RF traps (Paul), static traps (Penning).
Atom traps: magneto-optical traps, magnetic traps
(Quadrupole,Joffe,Time Orbiting Potential), optical traps, optical
lattices.
Some special lasers: ultrastable CW lasers, optical combs, measurement of optical frequencies.
Some notions on: evaporative cooling, reaching quantum
degeneracy, optical clocks, atom interferometry.
Readings/Bibliography
- Notes and slides from the teacher. Check on iol.
- Notes by D. A. Steck, available
here.
Teaching methods
Lectures and assigned readings and discussion of scientific
papers.
Assessment methods
The knowledge of the basic facts of atoms-radiation interaction
will be verified with oral questions and/or with the request to the
student to prepare a short seminar on arguments treated in the
course.
Teaching tools
Blackboard and, occasionally, slides
Office hours
See the website of Marco Prevedelli